Sustainable fodder production: Southern phragmites in herbivorous fish feeds

Abstract

The aim of the work is to develop directions of ecologically sound management of the southern Phragmites (reed) biomass on the basis of its use as the main component of feed for herbivorous fish. The methods used were monographic, logical analysis, scientific abstraction, comparative analysis, chemical analysis and field experience. The novelty of the research lies in the development of formulations and technology of feed production for herbivorous fish bred in ponds and closed water supply systems on the basis of natural physiologically characteristic food and non-traditional raw material in feed production - southern reed. As a result, the formulation and technology of four types of feed for herbivorous fish on the basis of southern reed was developed; the mechanism of design solution for removal of rapidly renewable biomass of southern reed from water bodies by using it in feed production, instead of using it as waste; to test the production of fodder on the basis of southern reed in the fodder factory at the price of 25-30 rub/kg; to prove the effectiveness of fodder on the basis of southern reed in the feeding of herbivorous fish; to develop practical recommendations for the production of fodder on the basis of southern reed. The practical significance is that the use of southern reed in the production of fodder will provide a complex socio-economic effect consisting in the creation of a new market for raw materials for the production of fodder, the cleaning of agricultural land and water bodies from uncontrolled overgrowth, the reduction of the fire hazard, the increase in the production of commercial fish available to the population due to the transition from extensive to intensive methods of cultivation, the development of fodder production.